Autopsy or anatomical dissection: evidence of a craniotomy in a 17th–eighteenth century burial site (Ravenna, Italy)

• DOI: 10.1007/s12024-020-00285-6
• Publication Date: 2020-08-08T07:02:37Z
• Authors: Filippo Scianò; Nicoletta Zedda; Jessica Mongillo; Emanuela Gualdi-R...; Barbara Bramanti
• Keywords: Ravenna; Parietal bone

Abstract Surgical procedures undergone in life, autopsies and anatomical preparations can all leave clearly identifiable traces on human skeletal remains. Several studies skeletons from archeological contexts have identified of these practices. However, the distinction between medical/forensic autopsy dissections for scientific research be challenging. We report case a middle-aged female skeleton cemetery church San Biagio (Ravenna, Italy), dating back to 17th–19th centuries, that shows signs complete craniotomy. In an attempt clarify reason this practice, we analyzed pathological non-pathological markers skeleton. carried out anthropological analyses osteometric measurements determine biological profile cranial capacity individual. Paleopathological investigation traumatic injury patterns were using both morphological microscopic approach. While observed craniotomy was performed with rip saw, perimortem blunt force trauma frontal bone osteolytic lesion inner surface bone. No other pathology recognizable Our differential diagnosis confidently proved due autoptsy procedure not result dissection. believe that, among possible reasons, failed surgery could likely motive behind ordering autopsy.